10 Beatles Sounding Songs That Aren’t – You Won’t Expect The Artists

Imagine hearing a melody that instantly transports you back to the era of mop tops and screaming fans. The harmonies are tight, the guitars jangly, and the overall sound undeniably reminiscent of the Fab Four. But wait a minute – that song isn’t actually a Beatles track! 

Countless artists have been heavily influenced by the band’s revolutionary sound, sometimes creating work that could easily be mistaken for a lost Beatles gem. This phenomenon isn’t just a testament to the Beatles’ enduring legacy, but also a sign of their incredible versatility.

Their sound encompassed everything from catchy pop anthems to psychedelic rock, leaving a wide sonic palette for future generations to explore. Today’s article delves into ten such songs, hidden gems that capture the essence of the Beatles across different genres. Get ready to be surprised by artists you might not expect, all channeling a bit of Beatlemania into their music!

1. “Lemon Tree” – Fool’s Garden (1995)

In 1995, German band Fool’s Garden released their catchy song “Lemon Tree”. The song’s vibrant melody and harmonies resonated with listeners worldwide, even topping charts in several countries. However, its undeniable Beatles-esque sound caused some confusion, especially with the release of the Beatles’ Anthology 1 album that same year.

Featuring new demos and unreleased tracks, the compilation album fueled speculation that “Lemon Tree” could be a lost Beatles song. This misconception lingered for years, particularly on early illegal download sites that mislabeled the song. Thankfully, with the rise of platforms like YouTube and readily available information, the true origin of “Lemon Tree” was gradually clarified.

2. “Sub-Rosa Subway” – Klaatu (1976)

Released in 1976, Klaatu’s “Sub-Rosa Subway” sent shockwaves through the music world. The uncanny resemblance to Paul McCartney’s vocals fueled rumors that the Beatles had secretly reunited under a pseudonym. This notion was further bolstered by the strong speculation of a Beatles reunion circulating that year.

The song’s success rode this wave of excitement, with fans meticulously searching for clues in the music and lyrics. However, the truth eventually emerged – Klaatu was a Canadian trio with no connection to the Fab Four. Although they enjoyed some minor hits later on, their fame never quite reached the heights of “Sub-Rosa Subway”, the song that sparked a delightful, albeit brief, Beatles reunion fantasy.

3. “No Matter What” – Badfinger (1970)

Badfinger wasn’t shy about their Beatles influence. Signed to Apple Records, the band even had a single, “Come and Get It”. written and produced by Paul McCartney himself. So, it’s no surprise that their 1970 hit “No Matter What” sparked confusion.

The catchy melody and vocal harmonies echoed the Beatles’ signature sound, with Cashbox magazine even describing it as if lifted from a mid-60s Beatles record. Critics compared it favorably, solidifying the association. While “Without You” also bore a Beatlesque quality, “No Matter What” stands out as a prime example of Badfinger’s ability to channel the Fab Four’s sound and create a radio-ready gem.

4. “Alone Again (Naturally)” – Gilbert O’Sullivan (1972)

Self-proclaimed Beatles devotee, Gilbert O’Sullivan, possessed a vocal quality that eerily mirrored McCartney’s. This uncanny resemblance caused quite a stir upon the release of his 1972 hit, “Alone Again (Naturally)”. Many American listeners swore it was McCartney himself belting out the song’s now-iconic melody.

O’Sullivan’s knack for crafting Beatles-esque melodies further blurred the lines, potentially contributing to the song’s impressive chart performance. Even without a deliberate attempt at mimicking the Fab Four, O’Sullivan’s admiration and vocal similarities undeniably created a case of mistaken identity for “Alone Again (Naturally)”.

5. “Mr. Blue Sky” – Electric Light Orchestra (1978)

Electric Light Orchestra’s frontman, Jeff Lynne, has never hidden his adoration for the Beatles. This influence reached its peak with “Mr. Blue Sky”, a song that channeled the Fab Four’s spirit more than ever before. The vibrant melody and playful arrangements evoke classics like “Penny Lane” and “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”, effortlessly capturing the essence of Lennon and McCartney’s songwriting partnership.

Critics further cemented the connection by drawing comparisons to “A Day in the Life” and “I Am the Walrus”. Beyond its undeniable Beatlesque charm, “Mr. Blue Sky” boasts infectious catchiness, earning recognition as one of the most optimistic and uplifting songs ever written. This track stands out in ELO’s vast discography as a love letter to the band that continues to inspire generations.

6. “Happy Together” – The Turtles (1967)

While the 1960s music scene wasn’t a homogenous Beatles echo chamber, there were instances where catchy melodies sparked comparisons. The Turtles’ “Happy Together” is a prime example. Though far from a direct copy, the song’s undeniable charm and sing-along quality led some listeners to mistakenly attribute it to the Fab Four.

This misconception speaks volumes about the impact of the Beatles’ songwriting. “Happy Together” achieved immense success, becoming the Turtles’ signature hit and even knocking the Beatles’ “Penny Lane” off the top of the Billboard chart in 1967. However, the song is a great example of the vibrancy of American pop in the decade, offering a catchy alternative to the Beatles’ sound rather than a mere imitation.

7. “California Dreamin'” – The Mamas & The Papas (1965)

The Mamas & the Papas’ 1965 smash hit “California Dreamin'” transcended its era, becoming one of their most enduring songs. However, the song’s catchy melody and vocal harmonies have led to a surprising misconception. Despite featuring distinct female vocals in the chorus, some listeners have mistakenly attributed it to the Beatles.

This confusion is evident even today, with videos like “The Beatles – california dreamin’ live” garnering nearly half a million views on YouTube, despite featuring the iconic folk-rock vocal-group. The comment sections of these videos are filled with playful jabs, referencing a “McCartney girl” and the uncanny resemblance to the Fab Four. While a humorous testament to the enduring power of the Beatles’ sound, “California Dreamin'” ultimately is a classic from the Mamas & the Papas, showcasing their own unique brand of sunshine pop.

8. “The Sounds Of Silence” – Simon & Garfunkel (1964)

Released in 1964, Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sounds of Silence” captured the public’s imagination with its haunting melody and introspective lyrics. However, the song’s melancholic beauty and vocal harmonies bore a striking resemblance to the Beatles’ work of that era. This resemblance wasn’t lost on listeners, with many mistakenly attributing it to Lennon and McCartney.

This confusion highlights a phenomenon of the time – limited information about artists and a radio landscape rife with catchy melodies could sometimes blur the lines. Thankfully, technology offers a glimpse into what might have been. Artificial intelligence has generated covers of “The Sounds of Silence” sung by the Beatles, allowing us to imagine a parallel universe where the Fab Four tackled this timeless classic.

9. “Warram I To Do” – Jasmin (1973)

Unlike the other entries on this list, “Warram I To Do” by Jasmin remains a relatively obscure track. While it never achieved global fame, it garnered a cult following specifically for its uncanny resemblance to the Beatles. Jasmin’s vocals, particularly their similarity to Paul McCartney’s, are what truly strike a chord.

The song’s popularity spread primarily through radio play in countries like Mexico, where the single arrived unexpectedly. This fortuitous arrival, coupled with the undeniable Beatles influence, fueled the record’s success. “Warram I To Do” transcended its limited reach, becoming a hidden gem for those seeking a lesser-known treasure trove of Beatle-esque sounds.

10. “Imagine” – John Lennon (1971)

Let’s end with a playful twist. John Lennon’s iconic “Imagine” is undeniably a Beatles song… except it isn’t. Released in 1971, this solo masterpiece perfectly captures the essence of Lennon’s songwriting during his Beatles years. The song’s structure, melody, and even Lennon’s voice evoke a strong sense of familiarity with the Fab Four’s sound.

This enduring misattribution speaks volumes about the enduring legacy of the Beatles.  “Imagine” remains a testament to Lennon’s talent and the undeniable mark the Beatles left on music history.  Even in his solo ventures, Lennon’s songwriting carried echoes of the band’s brilliance, creating a song so Beatles-esque it continues to surprise listeners to this day.